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A Look Back at the 2025 Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival

The Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival, held from March 6 through 9, 2025, brought together anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over Southern California for an exciting weekend of fishing, networking, and hands-on learning. The show saw a fantastic turnout, with attendees exploring an impressive lineup of vendors ranging from local favorites like Turner’s Outdoorsman and Fisherman’s Access to nationally recognized brands such as SeaTow and Shimano.

As a newer angler myself, the festival provided an incredible opportunity to connect with professionals, upgrade my gear, and pick up valuable tips for the upcoming fishing season. Expert-led seminars, including a standout session by Dana Point local Capt. Todd Mansur on behalf of Boardroom Sportfishing, gave attendees firsthand knowledge from some of the most experienced names in the industry. Beyond the tackle and tech, the event was packed with entertainment, featuring live music stages, great food and drinks, and interactive activities for all ages — including the always-popular trout pond for kids.

The festival served as the perfect meeting ground for like-minded anglers, boaters, and outdoorsmen to shop, learn, and share their passion for the water. If you missed out this year, mark your calendars for next year’s festival, returning March 5 through 8, 2026, at the OC Fairgrounds, along with the exciting new San Diego edition from March 19 through 22, 2026. The San Diego show will feature a slightly different vendor lineup, with more details to come as the date approaches. Until then, The Log looks forward to seeing you at the next great gathering of the sportfishing community!

 

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The Turner’s Outdoorsman booth was a hotspot at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival, drawing huge crowds from the moment the doors opened. With anglers eager to grab the best deals and gear, it was highly recommended to stop by early before the lines stretched through the aisles!

 

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Dana Point local and respected mariner Todd Mansur captivated the crowd during his seminar at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival. A seasoned industry professional, Mansur shared invaluable insights on sportfishing and the local waters. If you ever spot him on the docks, don’t miss the chance to chat — his knowledge and stories are worth the conversation!

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The fan-favorite Trout Pond was a highlight for young anglers at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival, giving kids 12 and younger a chance to cast a line and reel in a trout. With expert guidance and plenty of excitement, it was the perfect place for the next generation of fishermen to learn what it takes to get a bite.

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A standout booth at this year’s festival was Fish Dope, the go-to platform and mobile app for Southern California anglers. Designed by anglers for anglers, Fish Dope provides real-time fishing reports, sea surface temperature maps, and essential tools to help fishermen plan smarter trips, catch more fish, and save on fuel. A must-have resource for anyone serious about sportfishing!

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One of the bustling halls at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival featured industry powerhouses like Volvo Penta, Grundéns, and SeaTow. With aisles packed with everything a boater or angler could need, attendees had no shortage of top-tier gear, services, and expertise at their fingertips.

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A warm welcome to the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival! Attendees were greeted with excitement as they stepped into a weekend filled with top-tier fishing gear, expert seminars, and all things boating and angling.

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It’s not all about shopping at PCSF—education and expert insights are just as important! The Let’s Talk Hook-Up booth drew in anglers eager to chat with Pete Gray, ‘Rock Cod’ Rick Maxa, Cory Sanden, and special guests, all sharing the latest fishing reports, techniques, and industry news.”

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The Shimano booth stood out at the show with its bright, open layout, inviting attendees to walk through, explore the latest gear, and chat with knowledgeable associates. As one of the most trusted names in the industry, Shimano continues to be a go-to brand for anglers of all levels.

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Every sportfisher’s trusted friend, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, made a strong presence at the PCSF once again. Captains Brian Woolley of the Sum Fun and Marcus Bailey of The Fury, along with CEO and industry advocate Donna Kalez, rotated through the festival to connect with anglers, share insights, and talk all things fishing and conservation.